21M.289 – MFA Visit
by anonymous MIT student
1. What kinds of different relationships can be seen in this collection between writing and
image? And between image and object? Give an example of an object that you find
engages with these tensions in interesting ways.
 Most of the writing on the objects are written in Kufic – tension exists here as Kufa
used to be a centre of knowledge and writing as we understand it are typically used
to convey a message. Kufic as a form of writing is purposely made more difficult to
read. It is expected that one would know what the meaning of a particular script in
advance rather than having to try and decipher it from the object itself. As such on
one hand, while writing is typically aimed at conveying message, Kufic on the other
hand does not focus too much on that, rather it allows for the writer to focus more
on its stylistic design, infusing designs such as knots and flowers. Noticed at times
there were also use of animals i.e. birds. (Fig 1– candle stick)

On image and object, at times the infusion of writing seem to go against the function
of a particular object – one example was the mirror on display. It had Kufic scripts
which invoked good fortune all over it but I am pretty sure this would get in the way
of providing maximum/ efficient reflection as far as its function as a mirror is
concerned. One would expect perhaps writings can be staged in a smaller form
maybe around the plate rather than all over it (Fig 2 – Mirror)
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2. How Islamic are these objects? Pick two objects with differing qualities/degrees of
“Islamic-ness” and briefly compare/contrast them.
 Referring the Fig 1 i.e. the candlestick, it offers wishes of wealth, good fortune and
power to the owner in Kufic writing, but yet it includes design of classical Greek gods
i.e. Zeus.
 Star and Cross tiles (Fig 3) – These tiles were used in mausoleums of key Islamic
figures and the ones which includes designs which portrayed human beings were
typically used in places where more secular activities took place. It is interesting to
note that there were some tiles were shaped in a form of a cross which is central to
Christianity.
3. Along the wall opposite the cases of objects are a series of illuminated manuscripts and
objects from medieval scientists like al-Jazari. What kinds of relationships between
technology and arts is visible? Pick two objects that make use of/explore technology in
different ways and briefly compare/contrast them.
 The Al Jazari collection turned out to be the single most important book which
documented Islamic technology. Art was being used in this case to preserve and
record achievements on the technological front. Having said that, the art depiction I
believe had more to it – I could see certain patterns of single Arabic letters in specific
colours which are labelled at certain places. In fact, I feel a bit frustrated of not being
able to understand why.
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
Device for raising water – this one depicted the use of animal strength (presumably a
donkey) walking around a pole and the rotation of the pole works a pump which
would pump water up.

Device for dispensing water – or in this case, it did look like alcoholic beverages as
the two individuals down below do look like they are having a bit of fun as they have
their arms interlocked, as if encouraging each other to go on.
4. Walk through at least one other gallery in the museum. What do you observe about the
curation of the Islamic Art gallery in contrast to others at the museum?
 The positioning of the Islamic gallery was a bit stretched or in between. As you came
down the corridor of Chinese painting, you would end up right smack in the middle
of the Islamic gallery, which in my view is inefficient. It would not serve well if a
visitors aim is actually the exhibition at the end of the corridor – you get a bit of a
discontinuity. And it is very interesting that at the end of the corridor was an
exhibition which had a fair share nude art.
 One thing I felt was also less satisfying was the fact that the objects were exhibited
backed to a wall – I noticed some of the galleries on the 2nd floor where they
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showcase the vase and pots in a clear glass cabinet which allows the visitor to get a
360 degree view of the object.
I was hoping there were more museum helpers covering the section but there was
really no one whom I could engage in throughout my 45 minute stay there.
Having said that, I have visited the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul before – I do belief
MFA has quite a nice job I presenting what they have. Topkapi Palace can surely
benefit from some of the lighting work and object commentaries on display.
All in all, I enjoyed the trip immensely. I was also very surprised to see a really good
collection of Islamic art review books at the gift shop at the end.
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MIT OpenCourseWare
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21M.289 Islam/Media
Spring 2015
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